Loyola University Chicago

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Computing Labs


What Is an Open-Access Lab?
The labs described in these pages are designated as "open-access" because they are available for drop-in use by University students, faculty, and staff, and/or are available for reserved use by Loyola departments.  Machines are also available for alumni use. Please see a lab advisor for further information. Most of these labs are administered by Information Technology Services. Please refer to the Lake Shore Lab Chart or the Water Tower Lab Chart for more detail about these open-access labs.

Some labs are maintained by departments or schools for the primary use of students in that discipline. These are not considered open-access. To find out if you have access to a departmental lab, check with a faculty member or with department personnel.

Advisors
Some computer labs are staffed by student advisors who are trained so they can assist you with questions. If you're interested in lab employment opportunities with Information Technology Services, talk to a computing center manager.

Cost
There are no costs associated with using the University's computer labs. There is, however, a per-page fee for printouts.

Lab Equipment and Services
Open-access lab computers are Pentium Windows XP machines.  Wheelchair access, support staff, printers, and scanners, are available at all or some locations. See the lab chart for each campus to find out precisely what is available at each lab.

Logging in / Logging out
You will need to Log In to the network each time you visit a computer lab. On-screen instructions lead you through the process, and every lab has printed step-by-step instructions. The first time you log in, you will be prompted to change your password. Also, you will be prompted at regular intervals to change your password and you should also change it any time you suspect someone else has learned it. Visit PAM to manage your password.

When you complete your work, it is important that you log out. This is a critical security measure. Every lab has printed instructions about logging out. Your machine will automatically log out after 10 minutes of inactivity and wll work will be lost.

Viruses
A computer virus is a malicious piece of software that can corrupt files or destroy disks and hard drives. It is spread from computer to computer through e-mail attachments or by moving an infected file between multiple machines. If you're using a computer in an open-access lab, your disk is scanned automatically each time you insert it.  Click here for more information about computer viruses.

Standard Software and Services (CORE)
The computers in all of the open-access labs (except for the all Macintosh labs) are linked to the University's campus-wide computer network. All of these computers have access to a standard suite of commonly used software, such as Word, Access, and Excel, and services, such as the World Wide Web and Internet file transfer and terminal emulation protocols, network and Internet and e-mail.

In addition to these core services, most open-access workstations also provide access to a wide range of teaching software and instructor programs that students may need to use for their classwork.   Some limited licensed or discipline-specific software is only available in some but not all labs. Some software or versions may be affected by upgrades to lab machines.  Please check the Software Lists for available software in each lab.

Appropriate Use of Open-Access Computer Labs
Priority is given to academic use. If others are waiting, try to modify the time you spend on personal items, such as personal e-mail. Any behavior that causes deliberate physical damage to a computer or any alteration or corruption of a computer's configuration will be dealt with as a serious breach of responsible use. If you find that a computer is not working properly, please report it to an advisor.

Game Playing
Other than a program associated with a classroom assignment, playing games in the labs is not allowed. Game playing taxes network resources and causes a slowdown in response time for other users.  Unauthorized software is removed with each system reboot.

Napster, FreeNet, and Similar Programs
Use of these programs raises concerns of copyright, security, and resource use and is not allowed.

Installing Software
Unauthorized software installed on lab machines will be removed when the machine reboots.

No Eating
Food crumbs or spilled drinks can have serious consequences on a computer are not allowed in open-access facilities.

Please Be Courteous
Like the library, computer labs are dedicated to academic study and research. Loud noises or talking interferes with quiet study pursuits. Be considerate of your fellow students.